KIA Sportage Catalytic Converter Scrap Price - How Much Can You Get?

A catalytic converter is one of the most important components of a vehicle. It is responsible for converting harmful emissions into more environmentally friendly gases before they exit the exhaust tailpipes.

The KIA Sportage has one main cat converter mounted between the muffler and the exhaust manifold. The converter looks like a typical muffler, but it is made of stainless steel on the outside. On the inside, the Sportage cat converter features a ceramic honeycomb structure made of high-value elements such as palladium, rhodium, and platinum. These elements clean harmful gases before they are emitted into the environment.

The KIA Sportage cat converter features several sections known as beds. On each bed are various elements functioning at 400°F and above for specific chemical reactions. Catalytic converters are unique and valuable. Besides doing a very critical job in the functioning of a vehicle, they are also made of valuable materials. It is due to this fact that scrap yards buy damaged cat converters at reasonably high prices.

How much is a Catalytic Converter in a Junkyard?

A catalytic converter is built with precious materials such as rhodium, platinum, and palladium. As such, it is a valuable component. The elements present in cat converters are pretty valuable in their raw forms, meaning they will still fetch reasonable prices even if the cat converter malfunctions.

However, despite knowing that the catalytic converter is a valuable part, many people do not know the exact financial worth of the component. Even a wrecked vehicle is beneficial if you know what to sell out of it.

So, how do you determine the financial value of your KIA Sportage catalytic converter?

• Finding the Catalytic Converter Scrap Price of Your KIA Sportage by Serial Number

KIA does a very excellent job when marking their catalytic converters. Their serial numbers are pretty simple, generally between three and five characters. This makes it easy to identify and get the correct quote when selling your old cat converter at the scrap metal yard.

While some people discard damaged cat converters in their vehicles when they need a replacement, others just sell off their wrecked cars without considering valuable parts. As a result, all you get is the price the scrap metal dealer offers for your tired vehicle.

Once you have your KIA Sportage cat serial number, use an online database to determine its estimated scrap price. So ascertaining the financial value of your Sportage cat becomes easy. One of the best options is to quote on one of the websites belonging to recycling companies - they will provide you with the prices.

• So, How Much Can You Possibly Get From Your KIA Sportage Catalytic Converter in A Scrapyard?

You may wonder how much you'll get from your dead KIA Sportage cat converter. Well, while all cats have the same precious elements, the amount used in each varies with the model and years of manufacturing of specific vehicles. The quantity of these elements also depends on the vehicle's exhaust volume and the temperatures the engine reaches.

Generally, sports cars and trucks produce large amounts of exhaust gases than compact cars. The KIA Sportage lies in the category of compact cars since it's a small SUV. The price for a Sportage cat converter at the scrap yard varies with its condition. However, expect your cat to fetch between $120 and $250 at your local scrapyard.

How Much Does It Cost To Replace Catalytic Converter In My KIA Sportage?

So, for some reason, you had to delete your cat converter, but your Sportage is still moving. Although the vehicle still moves, driving a car without the cat converter is illegal. This means you will need to replace it with a new one.

The average cost for cat replacement ranges between $1,600 and $2,200, including parts and labor - a good cat converter for your KIA Sportage will cost around $1,400. And although these are estimated costs depending on several models, visiting your local KIA service center will give you the exact cost of replacing your dead catalytic converter.

What Causes Catalytic Converter Failure In KIA Sportage, And How Long Does It Last?

Catalytic converters undergo wear and tear, meaning they all fail at some point. As the vehicle moves, carbon deposits accumulate and eventually clog up the cat, especially if your Sportage has been on the road for several years.

Cat converters have honeycomb structures made of ceramic material and covered with palladium, rhodium, or platinum. The structures have tiny pores that sieve and clean harmful gasses before they're emitted through the exhaust pipes. When carbon components clog the pores, exhaust gasses cannot go through.

Many factors contribute to the extended or shortened life of a cat converter. Typically, this component last around ten years, or 100,000 miles in a KIA Sportage. However, depending on factors such as overheating, contamination or damage, the cat can fail much earlier or go beyond the expected lifespan.

Problems with the ignition system or oil leaks can cause the cat to fail before time. This can also happen when coolant leaks into the combustion chamber due to a blown gasket or worn-out pistons. Using the wrong fuel will also blow your cat converter before time.

Is It Time To Replace Your Catalytic Converter?

Like the human liver, a cat converter is designed to last a lifetime. It functions like a detoxifier of the vehicle. And just like the liver, this vital part can fail before its expected time. When it does, it has to be replaced for the car to keep going.

So, how do you know if your KIA Sportage needs a cat replacement?

4 Symptoms of a Spoiled Catalytic Converter

1. Hard Start or Failing to Start at All

One symptom of a clogged or damaged cat converter is when your Sportage experiences a hard start. At times it might even fail to start at all. When the cat is blocked, it keeps the gasses in the exhaust system. This causes increased pressure, and your engine will begin to stall. Engine sputtering is also a sign of a bad cat.

2. Poor Acceleration

Another noticeable sign of a bad cat converter in your Sportage is degraded motor performance and poor acceleration. When you ignite your Sportage and press the gas pedal from a standstill, the vehicle might move just fine at first before it starts feeling tired and lazy. This is caused by excessive pressure on the exhaust due to the clogged cat.

3. Do You Notice Excessive Fuel Consumption?

If yes, this could mean that your cat converter is moving on its last leg. When the cat is clogged, what happens is that your engine will not receive enough oxygen, and it has to work extra hard to deliver. When the engine strains, it consumes more fuel than it should, which translates to fewer miles per gallon.

4. Check Engine Light

Thanks to advanced technology, your KIA Sportage is designed to notify you when the engine is experiencing difficulties. One way to tell your engine is straining is by checking your dashboard lights. The "check engine" light will go on when there's a problem. And although there are several reasons for this light to illuminate, a clogged cat converter is one of them.

Cars built in 1996 and later - which include your KIA Sportage - have an onboard system that diagnoses the catalytic converter automatically. There are air-to-fuel sensors in your vehicle that check if the exhaust tail pipe is spitting out excessive pollution.

Before opting for cat replacement, you can start by checking other car components like spark plugs. Faulty plugs can cause the cat to fail. If symptoms persist, then it's time to have your cat checked by an expert KIA technician.

Conclusion

People are no longer selling their write-off vehicles as one piece of junk. The metal recycling industry has shown car owners that they can make more than they think when their vehicles can no longer serve them. The catalytic converter maintains its value even when it can no longer work in a car. Thanks to the precious metals used in this component, your KIA Sportage cat converter can give you half the money you need to install a new one.

The precious elements used in cats include palladium, platinum, and rhodium. Although various cats, depending on model years and conditions, contain different amounts of these precious metals, they will still bring in some good money, which is better than throwing it away like a broken side mirror.

Now that you know your spoiled cat converter is a piece of gold, will you throw it away like a piece of junk?